Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Brake Pads for Maserati

Maserati has long been a symbol of Italian elegance, craftsmanship, and high-performance engineering. From the seductive curves of the GranTurismo to the track-honed capabilities of the MC20, every Maserati model is designed to excite and inspire. But maintaining that excitement means staying on top of routine maintenance—especially when it comes to your braking system.

Brake pads are a vital part of your Maserati’s performance DNA. Swapping them out on time ensures your car stops as confidently as it accelerates. And while many owners rely on dealerships for this task, there’s a growing trend of Maserati enthusiasts taking the hands-on route. With the right tools and high-quality replacement parts from Exotic Parts Depot, you can do the job yourself—without compromising on quality or performance.

This step-by-step guide is tailored specifically for Maserati vehicles and is written for those who want to take pride in their car’s upkeep without overpaying for basic service.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before lifting a single lug nut, you’ll want to gather all necessary tools to make your workflow seamless:

• Jack and jack stands
• Lug wrench
• Socket set and ratchet
• Brake caliper compression tool or C-clamp
• Bungee cords or zip ties
• Brake cleaner
• Wire brush
• Torque wrench
• Gloves and eye protection
• Replacement brake pads from Exotic Parts Depot, custom fit for Maserati models

Whether you're working on a Quattroporte, Levante, or Ghibli, the procedure is generally the same, though you should always refer to your owner's manual for any vehicle-specific torque specs or service notes.

Step 1: Set Up and Prepare the Vehicle

Find a flat, well-lit, and safe work area. Chock your wheels to prevent rolling. Begin by loosening the lug nuts slightly on the wheel you’ll be working on—don’t fully remove them just yet.

Jack the vehicle up and secure it with jack stands. Once the car is stable, remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel to reveal the braking assembly.

Step 2: Remove the Brake Caliper

Locate the brake caliper—this is the component that houses your brake pads. On the back side, you’ll find two bolts securing it to the caliper bracket.

Remove these bolts with your ratchet and carefully slide the caliper off the rotor. It may take a little wiggling, especially if the pads are worn down. Once it’s off, use a bungee cord or zip tie to hang the caliper safely out of the way. Never let it dangle from the brake hose—doing so risks tearing or stretching the line.

Step 3: Take Out the Old Brake Pads

Now that the caliper is off, you’ll be able to remove the old brake pads. Depending on the Maserati model, they may slide right out or be secured with spring clips.

Inspect the pads for wear. If the pads are unevenly worn, this might point to a sticking caliper or misaligned bracket—something worth inspecting before reinstalling the new parts.

If your vehicle has electronic wear sensors, disconnect these carefully and save them if they are reusable—or replace them with new ones if included with your Exotic Parts Depot brake pad kit.

Step 4: Clean and Inspect

Before installing your new pads, take a moment to clean up the caliper bracket and surrounding area. Use brake cleaner and a wire brush to remove built-up dust, grime, and rust.

This is also a good time to inspect the rotor. Run your fingers across the surface to feel for grooves or uneven wear. While this guide focuses on pad installation, excessive rotor wear may require replacement for optimal performance.

Step 5: Compress the Caliper Piston

To fit your new brake pads, the caliper piston must be retracted into the caliper housing. Use a C-clamp or a brake caliper tool to push the piston in slowly and steadily.

If your Maserati is equipped with an electronic parking brake system, you may need to activate “service mode” using the onboard system or a diagnostic tool before compressing the piston. Skipping this step could damage the electronic actuators.

Step 6: Install Your New Brake Pads

Now the fun part—slide in your new brake pads from Exotic Parts Depot. These pads are specifically engineered for Maserati models, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal stopping performance.

Make sure any clips or anti-rattle hardware are properly reinstalled and positioned. If your model uses brake pad wear sensors, reconnect them now.

Step 7: Reattach the Caliper

With the pads in place, it’s time to put the caliper back over the rotor and secure it with the bolts you removed earlier. Tighten them to Maserati’s recommended torque specifications using a torque wrench for precision.

Take a moment to double-check that the caliper and pads are properly aligned and that nothing is pinched or misrouted.

Step 8: Reinstall the Wheel and Lower the Car

Reattach the wheel and thread the lug nuts on by hand. Lower the vehicle from the jack stands slowly and evenly, and then use your torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross (star) pattern to the proper specification.

Step 9: Perform a Brake Bedding Procedure

To ensure optimal performance and longevity, you need to bed in the new brake pads. This involves a series of gradual stops from moderate speeds (typically 30–50 mph), allowing the pads to develop an even transfer layer of material on the rotor surface.

Avoid harsh braking or panic stops for the first 100 miles. This break-in period is critical for long-term braking performance and pad life.

Why Use Exotic Parts Depot for Maserati Brake Pads?

When replacing critical components like brake pads, quality matters. At Exotic Parts Depot, every pad is crafted to meet or exceed Maserati’s original specifications—without the dealership markup. You’re not compromising with a generic product—you’re upgrading with precision.

Whether you’re driving a weekend cruiser or a daily commuter, Exotic Parts Depot delivers consistent braking power, low dust output, and quiet operation. And since they're engineered for exact fitment, installation is smoother, safer, and faster.

Replacing your Maserati’s brake pads isn’t just maintenance—it’s a statement that you care about performance, safety, and craftsmanship. Doing it yourself with trusted parts from Exotic Parts Depot empowers you to maintain your vehicle with the same excellence that defines the Maserati name.

With patience, attention to detail, and this guide by your side, you can confidently complete the job and enjoy every mile with the peace of mind that your Maserati is stopping as brilliantly as it accelerates.